FirstEnergy Corp.’s Ohio electric companies have reached a settlement on their Grid Modernization (Grid Mod) II plan, aiming to expand the deployment of smart meters to an additional 1.4 million customers in Ohio. The four-year, $421 million plan, if approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), will continue the system upgrades initiated under Grid Mod I, including the installation of approximately 706,000 smart meters across Ohio.
Patricia Mullin, Acting President of FirstEnergy’s Ohio Operations, highlighted the significance of smart meters in empowering customers to manage their energy usage and costs. She stated, “At the heart of it all, smart meters are about empowering our customers to make informed decisions about their energy usage and costs. With accurate and detailed billing information each month, customers can now take control of their energy costs.”
The proposed settlement not only aims to modernize the electric system but also enhance the customer experience by providing more control over energy use. One of the initiatives includes a Smart Thermostat Rebate program, allowing eligible residential customers to receive rebates for purchasing qualified smart thermostats.
In addition to empowering customers, smart meters will also improve outage detection and restoration efforts. The benefits will extend to providing more accurate and timely information during storm events.
If approved by the PUCO, customers may see a slight increase in their monthly bills. However, FirstEnergy’s Ohio companies offer various assistance programs to help customers manage their energy costs. These programs include budget plans, special payment arrangements, and access to energy assistance programs for those in need.
FirstEnergy reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. The company's dedication to modernizing the electric system aligns with its goal of providing quality service to customers in Ohio and beyond.
For more information about the settlement and FirstEnergy’s initiatives, interested individuals can visit the PUCO's website or contact the company directly.